Home » Recipes » Course » Side Dish » Onion Boil (Easy Viral Tiktok Recipe)

Onion Boil (Easy Viral Tiktok Recipe)

Discover the viral baked onion boil—sweet, buttery, and loaded with Cajun-spiced goodness! This easy, caramelized onion dish makes for the ultimate cozy side or snack.

Side angle of easy onion boil with spices and butter on white plate.

Alright, onion lovers (and even onion skeptics!), get ready for the ultimate way to elevate this humble veggie. This onion boil recipe has been making waves for a reason: it’s simple, buttery, and absolutely mouth-watering. 

Picture an entire sweet onion, perfectly seasoned and roasted until fork-tender, with layers of Cajun-spiced, caramelized goodness that melt in your mouth. If you’re all about cozy, flavorful dishes that practically cook themselves, this is the recipe for you!

This isn’t your average onion; it’s a star dish in its own right! We’ve got butter and olive oil working together to create a rich, savory base, while Cajun seasoning brings a warm, smoky kick. A sprinkle of Old Bay and garlic powder takes things to the next level. 

The onion roasts in foil, transforming into a soft, slightly sweet, caramelized treasure that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about onions. 

And for an added golden finish? A quick broil at the end seals the deal.

Let’s be real, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. You can enjoy it solo, add it as a side, or mix it into pasta for a unique twist. 

Ready to dive into the ultimate onion glow-up? Grab your ingredients and let’s make some magic!

If you love trying viral Tiktok recipes you may also enjoy my Crispy Rice Salad Recipe, my Cottage Cheese Flatbread or the Viral Shaken Salad With An Entire Cucumber.

Top down view of sweet onions with butter and spices.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THE VIRAL ONION BOIL RECIPE

  • Easy Comfort Food Magic: One onion, a handful of spices, and a little foil—it doesn’t get simpler or cozier than this! The onion boils down into soft, caramelized goodness that’s loaded with flavor and ready to warm up any meal.
  • Endless Flavor Possibilities: The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a blank slate for your spice cabinet! Start with Cajun seasoning, but don’t be afraid to sprinkle in garlic, Old Bay, or even a dash of chili flakes to give it your own twist.
  • Tender Layers of Sweet & Savory: Each layer of onion absorbs the buttery, seasoned goodness, making every bite sweet, salty, and downright irresistible. Plus, the final drizzle of melted butter and optional broiling step adds a golden brown caramelized top that’s pure bliss!
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re dressing up a family dinner or adding a quirky side dish to your holiday table, this viral recipe fits right in. It’s easy, affordable, and undeniably impressive.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe is an easy win for any diet. Made with butter, olive oil, and seasonings, it’s gluten-free, and full of crowd-pleasing flavor!

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE SWEET YELLOW ONION BOIL?

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the blooming onion boil (the exact measurements, nutritional value and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

  • Large sweet onion – can also use white onion or yellow onions however it will not yield exact same flavors.
  • Unsalted butter – can also use vegan butter if desired
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Cajun spice seasoning
  • Sea salt and black pepper
  • Garlic powder or crushed garlic
  • Chili onion crunch from Trader Joe – this adds crispy bits.
  • Optional – extra virgin olive oil, onion powder, lemon pepper, brown sugar, garlic clove, garam masala, etc.

Side view of sweet onions with hole in the middle on wooden cutting board.

HOW TO MAKE THE WHOLE ONION BOIL RECIPE

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a small melon baller and scoop out the top center of the onion (about ⅓ down) to create a “well” for the seasonings.
  2. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil. Add the butter into the middle of the onion well, mixing olive oil with Cajun seasoning and any optional seasonings. Pour the mixture over the butter so it drips down the sides of the onion. Sprinkle with a little extra salt.
  3. Wrap the onion tightly in foil and place it in a baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any drips. Roast for 1 hour on the center rack. Check for tenderness; if needed, bake another 10 minutes until fork-tender.
  4. Optional: Turn the oven to broil. Open the foil, drizzle a bit more butter or olive oil, and sprinkle extra salt. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely for a golden brown, caramelized top.
  5. Peel away the outer layer and enjoy each soft, flavorful layer with an extra sprinkle of salt. Don’t forget to pour all the delicious juices from the foil over the onion for maximum flavor!

Side view of an onion with spices and butter on aluminum foil.

STORING LEFTOVER SWEET ONIONS

  • Cool First: Let the onion cool completely before storing. This prevents moisture buildup in the container, keeping the onion fresh longer.
  • Airtight Container: Place the leftover onion in an airtight container. It helps keep the flavors locked in and prevents the onion aroma from spreading in your fridge.
  • Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. While the flavors may deepen, the texture is best within the first couple of days.
  • Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes to warm through without making it too soft. Or, microwave for 30-second intervals until warm.
  • Freezing: Avoid freezing, as it can cause the texture to become mushy. Fresh is best with this recipe!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Check the tenderness: If the onion isn’t fully tender after an hour, reseal and add a bit more time in the oven.
  • Customize the Seasonings: Try it with smoked paprika, rosemary, or thyme for added flair!
  • Broil Carefully: Watch closely during broiling to avoid burning – just golden and caramelized is the goal.

Close up shot of the viral tiktok onion boil recipe on a white plate.

FAQS

CAN I USE DIFFERENT SEASONINGS?

Yes! Smoked paprika, rosemary, or thyme make amazing substitutes if you want to switch up the flavors.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE ONION IS DONE?

The onion should be fork-tender with a slight jiggle and a golden caramelized top. If it’s still firm, keep it in the oven a bit longer.

CAN I PREPARE THIS ONION BOIL RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME?

Definitely! You can prep and season the onion, then wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

WHO STARTED THE VIRAL ONION BOIL RECIPE ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

The trend was kickstarted by TikToker @doll_mimi, who has charmed social media with this savory, simple onion recipe. If you’re looking for a unique, flavorful veggie snack, she’s got you covered!

DO I REALLY LOTS OF BUTTER IN THIS RECIPE?

Butter is key to that rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. However, you can substitute with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative if you prefer a lighter version or are going dairy-free.

WHY WRAP THE ENTIRE ONION IN FOIL?

Wrapping the onion in foil traps steam and juices, allowing the flavors to fully soak through without drying out the outer layers. This is the magic trick for that tender, caramelized effect.

IS THERE A WAY TO MAKE THIS ONION BOIL MORE CHEESY?

Yes! Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, parmesan cheese, or even a slice of melty cheese on top before broiling. This “cheesy onion boil” option is a creamy twist that adds even more richness.

Other Easy Dinner Ideas You May Want To Try!

Yield: 2 onions

Onion Boil (Viral Easy Tiktok Recipe)

Side angle of easy onion boil with spices and butter on white plate.

Discover the viral baked onion boil—sweet, buttery, and loaded with Cajun-spiced goodness! This easy, caramelized onion dish makes for the ultimate cozy side or snack.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet onions
  • 1/4 cup butter, divided
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tsp cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp chili onion crunch (can sub for red chili flakes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a small melon baller and scoop out the top center of the onions (about 1/2 down) to create a “well” for the seasonings.
  2. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil. Add 1 tbsp butter into the middle of each of the onion wells.
  3. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter in microwave. Then add the paprika, Old Bay seasoning, cajun, italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, crushed garlic and chili onion crunch. Pour the mixture evenly over the onions so it drips down the sides. Sprinkle with a little extra salt.
  4. Wrap the onion tightly in foil and place it in a baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any drips. Roast for 50-55 minutes on the center rack. Check for tenderness; if needed, bake another 10 minutes until fork-tender.
  5. Optional: Turn the oven to broil. Open the foil, drizzle a bit more butter or olive oil, and sprinkle extra salt. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely for a golden brown, caramelized top.
  6. Peel away the outer layer and enjoy each soft, flavorful layer with an extra sprinkle of salt. Don’t forget to pour all the delicious juices from the foil over the onion for maximum flavor!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 344Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 1649mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 5gSugar: 19gProtein: 4g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THIS ONION BOIL FOIL WRAP RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS ENTIRE ONION ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *